Re-Careering after 50

Job Search Strategies for Older Workers

There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment. I'm always a little surprised at how young can be considered old by employers. In some industries, especially high-tech, even mid-thirties can be considered old. In fact, I spoke to one computer programmer who considered the workers in his office who were over thirty old!

What can you do to address age discrimination and promote your candidacy for employment? There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment. In this workshop we will review some job search tips for older workers.

a) How to respond to questions during a job interview to try to determine how old you are.
b) Addressing age issues and staying positive

VII. First Impressions Matter. Your appearance and style

VIII. Fix Your Hair.

What you look like shouldn't matter, but it does. Your hairstyle is another factor.

IX. Your Experience is an Asset.

Bring a portfolio of relevant, also consider thinking of the interview as a consulting engagement.

X. Get References Ready.

Securing written recommendations.

XI. Be Future Focused.

Forward-looking about your professional life and ready to achieve your goals.

XII. You're Not Ready to Retire.

Professional development plans will counteract this possible perception-use the workshops and services offered to put one in place.

XIII. Refresh Your Interviewing Skills.

a) Brush up on behavioral interviewing techniques.

XIII. How to Address Being Overqualified.

a) Using your enthusiasm for the specific duties associated with the work.

XIV. Address Being Unemployed.

a) Provide a clear rationale for taking time off
b) If you were laid off due to a workforce contraction, what do you say?
c) How your strengths are better suited for the job at hand.

XV. Use Dates to Cover the Employment Gaps in Your Resume

a) What are the most common strategies
b) Format
c) Omitting jobs
d) Other experience acquired during the employment gap (strategies)

XVI. Tell the Truth

XVII. Using Your Cover Letter to Briefly Explain the Employment Gap

a) Emphasize constructive activities-the positive

XVIII. Show Your Willingness to Work for a Younger Manager

a) Reassuring employers by sharing examples of how you have and can thrived under the direction of younger managers.

XVIV. Using Your Network

XVV. Using us to Get Job Search Help

XVVI. Keeping Your Skills Current

Finally Don't Give Up

Job searching typically isn't easy, regardless of how old you are. So, don't give up. It might take a while to find a job, but, there are employers who understand the value of an older worker with maturity, life experience, and skills. Please review the other workshops that we offer so that you can comprehensively prepare yourself enter, re-enter or continue in today's workforce as a valued worker.

Informational Interview

And, while an informational interview is never the time to ask for a job, it is a way to show interest, talk about your goals, and get face time with people who make hiring decisions-all of which will be key if a position does open up.

So, though it's not a formal interview, you should always consider it as part of the formal interview process-suiting up and all.

If you are interested in the discussing strategies for building a resume or exploring another job/career option, please make an appointment with one of our Career Advisors and together we can begin your re-careering journey.

East Palo Alto Career Center helping
people build career pathways to
economic empowerment